What Alexander Zverev did during the Madrid Open final that disappointed Coco Gauff’s ex-coach

Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty Images

Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 in the final of this year’s Madrid Open.

Zverev never looked likely to threaten Sinner, slipping to an eighth straight defeat against the world number one.

After the match, Brad Gilbert, who once coached Coco Gauff, shared his thoughts on Zverev’s performance.

Brad Gilbert says Zverev was too predictable in Madrid Open final

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Speaking on the latest episode of ‘The Big T Podcast‘, Gilbert discussed the 2026 Madrid Open men’s singles final.

“What [Jannik] Sinner does so well, which is hard to stop, is that he hits the ball really big to safe targets,” he said.

“Normally, [Alexander] Zverev can make progress backhand to backhand. But he can’t make progress backhand to backhand, and the forehand-to-forehand exchange is problematic.

“What I was most disappointed in Zverev today – my coach told me in 1980 if you lose that first set 6-1 do not lose the second set 6-1 playing the same way. I don’t care what you do, whether you come in on every ball or you literally start moonballing. Do something. Be unpredictable.

“I felt Zverev was extremely predictable from the first ball and he was hoping not to get beaten badly.

When you hope like that, that is what happens.”

Gilbert went on to outline what changes Zverev should have considered during the match.

“He should have served and volleyed. He should have taken a backhand return and come in. He should have shown some emotion or busted a racket,” said Gilbert.

“He did not change plan A from the first set to the second set.